The grand opening reception of Victor Grasso’s Jawbone Gallery took place this past Saturday, July 20, with special guest Adam Wallacavage, whose sculptures are on display in the gallery alongside Grasso’s paintings. This event marks another exciting feat in the Cape May art community’s repertoire of creative accomplishments.
Adam Wallacavage and Victor Grasso at Jawbone Gallery’s opening reception.
Grasso’s surreal, whimsical, and often marine-themed creations have been endorsed by locals for so long that many of us associate his work with Cape May itself. Viewing a Victor Grasso painting is like taking a snapshot of a bizarre dreamscape that is depicted with believability but you still wonder “in what world do these things exist in the same place?” — like a squid with a signed baseball bat, a gun, and an ear of corn grasped with each tentacle, or a naked woman with a violin comfortably sprawled out on the back of a crocodile.
Adam Wallcavage’s work, such as octopus-shaped chandeliers and the Flying Bat Lamp, are currently on display, harnessing an eye-catching style and remarkable skill set that inform the standard of the gallery.
Images provided by Victor Grasso.
Limitless reaches of imagination are captured on the walls of Grasso’s gallery, and we are excited to see how his vision will manifest in this space of Carpenter’s Square Mall.
Q&A with Victor Grasso
1. Could you offer a brief history of your artistic pursuits in Cape May County?
I have been a resident of Cape May County my entire life, deeply rooted in this community. My artistic journey here began around 2006 when I started painting covers for the color editions of Exit Zero magazine in Cape May. In 2007, SOMA Gallery opened its doors, and I exhibited there for several years. My works can also be found at prominent public establishments like the Chalfonte Hotel and the Princeton bar. Notably, in 2013, the Noyes Museum of Art acquired one of my pieces for their permanent collection.
2. What is your previous connection to the space that Jawbone Gallery now occupies?
I was associated with SOMA Gallery for 13 years, engaging in numerous artistic endeavors and successful exhibitions. Sadly, SOMA closed its doors in 2023. However, in April 2024, an opportunity arose for me to take over half of SOMA’s former space, where Jawbone Gallery now thrives. Spanning 700 square feet with an urban facelift featuring painted concrete floors, wood pergolas, and modern lighting, the space blends familiarity with new beginnings.
3. How long have you been working on the opening of the gallery?
Over the past couple of years, I’ve explored various potential gallery spaces in Cape May, though none quite fit until now. The former SOMA space resurfaced as an ideal location, offering both familiarity and freshness. The process came together swiftly; I secured the space in April and opened Jawbone Gallery on Memorial Day.
Image above: “The Magpie and The Mushroom” watercolor on paper by Victor Grasso.
4. What is your vision for the gallery?
Our vision for Jawbone Gallery is to ignite the imagination and inspire both locals and visitors alike. Cape May has a rich legacy of inspiring artists across generations, and we aim to celebrate and uphold this tradition while offering a platform for diverse artistic expression.
5. Do you plan to keep a few of your own pieces or eventually only display other artists’ work? Do you intend to focus on displaying the work of local artists?
Jawbone Gallery was founded with the intention of showcasing my own works alongside those of local and regional artists, as well as curating pieces from talented artist globally.
6. What kind of art can people expect to see here?
At Jawbone Gallery, visitors can expect to encounter a vibrant array of artworks that highlight a new generation of dynamic artists shaping today’s creative landscape. Each piece reflects a unique vision brought to life with passion and innovation.
Explore the extraordinary available work at Jawbone Gallery located in Carpenter’s Square Mall at 31 Perry Street, No. 9. Visit their website jawbonegallerycapemay.com and find them on Instagram @jawbone_gallery.
